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Two undocumented immigrants face serious charges after the shooting of an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer in New York City, as announced by authorities on Thursday.
The accused, Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, 21, and Cristian Aybar Berroa, 22, both originally from the Dominican Republic, were apprehended following the incident that occurred at Fort Washington Park on Saturday night.
Charges Filed Against the Suspects
Mora Nunez has been charged with one count of possession of ammunition by an illegal alien, which could result in a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Aybar-Berroa, on the other hand, is charged with accessory after the fact, facing a maximum possible sentence of seven and a half years, according to statements from Jay Clayton, Interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office for Homeland Security Investigations.
“As alleged, these defendants entered and spent years in our country illegally, and their criminal activity culminated in Saturday night’s near-deadly attack on one of our own,” Patel remarked in a statement.
Details of the Incident
Reports indicate that Mora Nunez opened fire on the off-duty CBP officer in Fort Washington Park, hitting him in the face and arm. The officer, in response, returned fire, wounding Mora Nunez before he fled on a motorcycle driven by Aybar-Berroa, who helped transport the alleged shooter to a hospital.
After the shooting, Aybar-Berroa reportedly attempted to dispose of the bloody clothing he wore during the incident. He also communicated with one of Mora Nunez’s family members regarding the need to discard the clothing associated with the shooting.
Immigration Status and Criminal Background
Both suspects entered the United States illegally and are subject to removal orders, confronting additional complications due to their immigration status. Officials revealed that they are believed to be involved in a previous armed robbery incident captured on video in Leominster, Massachusetts, back in February.
Aybar-Berroa has a documented criminal history in New York City. He faced charges for second-degree reckless endangerment in May 2023, and multiple charges related to grand larceny, with arrests occurring in March and April 2024.
The Department of Homeland Security highlighted a concerning lapse in public safety, stating that even after an active detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the New York City Department of Corrections released Berroa back onto the streets.
In February of this year, he was also arrested for reckless endangerment and reckless driving while driving without a license.
Legal Proceedings and Future Actions
On June 12, 2025, Berroa pleaded guilty to petit larceny at the Bronx County Supreme Court, a plea that consolidated his previous arrests. Following this, he was conditionally discharged and allowed to roam freely in New York City.
Evidence indicates a pattern of criminal behavior, as highlighted by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who noted that Berroa was arrested eight times between March and April 2024 for various grand larcenies and robberies involving scooters in the Bronx. Furthermore, he is suspected in at least four additional cases and reportedly entered the country illegally through Texas in 2022.
Responses from Authorities and Community
The shooting incident and the backgrounds of the suspects have sparked debates regarding crime related to undocumented individuals. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of current immigration policies and law enforcement strategies in New York City.
Officials have stressed the need for stricter immigration enforcement and community safety measures, asserting that such offenses have significant ramifications for public safety.
The alarming circumstances surrounding this episode have caught the attention of local residents and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration and related criminal activities.
What Happens Next?
As investigations continue, authorities are working to ensure justice is served for the embattled CBP officer and the wider community affected by these events. Legal proceedings for both suspects will unfold in the coming weeks, and further developments are expected.
In light of the increasing tensions associated with undocumented crime, community leaders are called upon to facilitate discussions that can lead to effective solutions aimed at protecting public safety while balancing the complexities of immigration reform.
Reporting contributed by Greg Norman.
